High risk offender Stanley reported to have crossed into United States

A high risk sex offender who caused a series of heightened safety measures at schools in Western Saskatchewan is reported to have crossed into the United States.

The Edmonton Police Service announced on Oct. 10 that Michael Sean Stanley, 48, crossed the US/Canada border during the evening of Oct. 7. Their investigation, in conjunction with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, confirmed Stanley crossed from British Columbia into Washington State at the Blaine Border Crossing.

"Law enforcement agencies are aware of Stanley’s whereabouts," an Edmonton Police Service press release stated. "The Edmonton Police Service has notified the appropriate agencies in the United States, and will be consulting with the Crown Prosecutors on the possible extradition of Stanley back to Canada."

"The EPS is continuing to investigate Stanley’s flight from law enforcement and how he gained entry into the United States," the press release also stated.

Stanley's last known location in Canada was the City of Lethbridge on Oct. 4, as police in that community recovered the purple Chevrolet Blazer he had been driving.

Stanley, an individual considered a high risk sex offender who has a long history of sexual offences and has taken kids from playgrounds in the past, had been sought by police across the prairies since the start of the month. On Oct. 1, Stanley removed his electronic monitoring bracelet while in Lloydminster, and is currently wanted for breach of his court release conditions.

A pair of unconfirmed sightings of Stanley in the communities of Kindersley and Rosetown last week led to concerns over his possible movement in Western Saskatchewan. Schools in the Sun West School Division had instituted a series of 'hold and secure' measures, while Chinook School Division facilities were placed under heightened awareness status. Last weekend the RCMP received more than 25 reports of possible sightings of Stanley, or his vehicle, from across Saskatchewan. However, none of the reported sightings were confirmed, and several had proven to the false.

Edmonton Police Service note that Stanley is now facing charges of breach of recognizance (five counts), mischief, driving without a valid driver’s licence, driving without registration, and driving without insurance.